YMCA Temporary Housing – Islington, London
Islington, London
Won through an architectural competition, Bowman Riley designed an innovative solution to the shortage of hostel accommodation in London through the use of converted shipping containers named Project Acorn.
City YMCA London was unable to renew the lease for its existing central London accommodation. This resulted in the need to provide alternative accommodation for 120 short-term tenants, typically students for a two year period whilst permanent accommodation is created.
Working in partnership with the YMCA, Bowman Riley assisted in the selection of a vacant brownfield site that could accommodate a temporary housing scheme for a two year period, whilst a permanent building is created.
The unusual feature about this housing scheme is that the homes are built out of converted steel shipping containers.
Extensive discussions took place with the end user representatives and modular construction specialists to achieve a warm, safe and pleasant living environment. Bowman Riley designed clusters of ten single person homes with shared kitchens to meet the needs of the user group.
The YMCA has commissioned a prototype to be manufactured in advance of the full order.
View more of our social housing experience here